GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Cases of whooping cough are increasing in Michigan and the health department is urging people to get vaccinated.
As of Oct. 28, 830 confirmed or probable cases have been reported to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Between 2017 and 2019, Michigan averaged 596 cases of whooping cough, which is also known as pertussis.
Vaccinated patients are less likely to be infected, but protection does wane over time, so patients won’t be fully immune.
More information about whooping cough can be found at the CDC website.
Michigan’s Grand Rapids. (WOOD) — The health department is encouraging people to get vaccinated against whooping cough, as cases are on the rise in Michigan.
In October… According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, there have been 28,830 confirmed or likely cases. That will end in October. 5, after Michigan had recorded 473 cases. Michigan saw 596 cases of whooping cough, also referred to as pertussis, on average between 2017 and 2019.
As an endemic illness, pertussis typically peaks every few years. Large cities, hospitals, and childcare facilities are where outbreaks are most frequently found.
More than five times as many cases have been reported nationwide as of October, so it’s not just Michigan. 26 in contrast to 2023 at the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.
When pertussis symptoms first appear, they may resemble the common cold, but as the coughing fit comes to an end, patients will eventually produce the characteristic “whooping” gasp. For one to six weeks, and in certain situations for up to ten weeks, the coughing fits may persist. According to MDHHS, infants and young children may not cough, but rather experience breathing pauses that can result in blueish skin or shortness of breath.
The health department advises getting vaccinated.
The chief medical executive, Dr. Dot Natasha Bagdasarian, stated in a news release from MDHHS that vaccinations remain the best defense against the spread of pertussis. Unfortunately, we are witnessing an increase in pertussis and other vaccine-preventable diseases throughout the state as a result of a decreasing immunization rate. All residents of Michigan are urged to adhere to their current immunization schedule. “”.
Every ten years, adults should get a booster shot, according to the CDC. Although vaccinated patients have a lower risk of infection, their immunity does not last forever. However, vaccinated patients typically recover more quickly and experience less severe symptoms.
You can learn more about whooping cough on the CDC website.
— Matt Jaworowski of News 8 helped with this report.
